Sr. Mary Columba Moynihan

Obituary Sister Mary Columba Moynihan (Nora Teresa Moynihan) July 16, 1913 - May 25, 2011 Sister Mary Columba touched many lives during her 75 years as a Franciscan Religious. She entered religious life with the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia in 1934 and made her first profession of vows in August of 1936. Sister received her training as a professional nurse at St. Joseph Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland; she also attended the School of Anesthesia in Spokane, Washington. She was known in Tacoma for her ministry at St. Josephs Hospital as a director of Child Maternal care. In addition to being director she also was a nurse anesthetist. Sister ministered in Mallow, Ireland for 12years. It was a joy for her to return to Country of her birth, as she was born in Tralee, Co. Kerry. Sister Columba was affectionately known as "The Rose of Tralee" by her sisters and friends. She ministered many years in Eastern Oregon, in La Grande, Baker and Pendleton. At St. Anthony's Hospital in Pendleton her vigor and spirit enriched the hospitals staff and service. She celebrated her 70th Jubilee in Pendleton in 2006. At that time St. Anthony President and Chief Executive Officer said, "She is the heart and soul of St. Anthony Hospital with her many years of dedication to others-truly a blessing to us all" She continued to be a blessing at St. Ann Convent as she celebrated her 75th Jubilee this past March. Her final years were dedicated to praying for the needs of her friends, relatives, congregation, local and world needs in prayer ministry at St. Ann Convent in Tacoma, Washington. Sister is survived by three nieces and 2 nephews in the US and Ireland, her friend Sister Mary Breen and her Franciscan family. Special thanks to Franciscan Palliative Care and Hospice and the nursing staff of St. Ann Convent for their compassionate care of Sister Columba. All services will be held at St. Ann Convent Tacoma, Vigil will be Thursday May 26th at 6:00 pm and Mass of Christian Burial May 27th 11:00 am, followed by burial at Calvary Cemetery. Donations may be sent to Sisters of St. Francis, St. Ann Convent 6602 S. Alaska St. Tacoma, WA 98408. Please leave online condolences at www.GaffneyCares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.